Center Parcs Sherwood Forest: Disabled Leeds man left baffled as park demands extra payment for essential carer

A disabled Leeds man has been left baffled after being told by Center Parcs he would have to pay for his essential carer as he plans a day trip to visit friends.
Alex Grant
By Alex Grant
Published 21st Dec 2022, 04:45 GMT
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Ben Cropper, 31, from the Adel area of Leeds, has Cerebal Palsy leaving him wheelchair bound and requiring the help of carers for day to day living.

He is planning to spend Friday (December 23) visiting friends who are staying at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest for the Christmas period, but when looking to pay his £47.50 entry fee for the day was left baffled when the popular park demanded the same payment from his carer Sam as well.

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Speaking to the YEP, Ben described the request as highly unusual from such a large company with essential carers usually granted complimentary access.

Ben was left baffled when the popular park demanded the same £47.50 payment from his carer Sam. Picture: Stock/SubmitBen was left baffled when the popular park demanded the same £47.50 payment from his carer Sam. Picture: Stock/Submit
Ben was left baffled when the popular park demanded the same £47.50 payment from his carer Sam. Picture: Stock/Submit

He said: “Usually when I go to public places because the carer who will go with me is essential, I don’t go with a carer through choice, the carer is free of charge. Neither me or the carer with me that day will be there to benefit from any of the activities on offer.

"This isn’t about a woe is me. It’s about the principle of it and about me wanting to go to see my friends who due to locations I’m not able to see as often. I just think it’s grossly unfair.”